Fears allayed as 200-year-old Sheffield tree is cut down

IT’S stood since before Queen Victoria took the throne and through two World Wars including the Sheffield blitz.

But a 200-year-old horse chestnut tree outside former Sheffield Hallam University halls of residence on Broomgrove Road, Broomhall, is being felled despite concern from residents because officials say disease has made it unsafe.

Neighbouring trees are also being heavily pruned.

The work has upset Una Monsior, aged 81, who said: “These old trees formed a lovely green archway and are around 200 years old.

“They show up on the deeds of my house, which dates back to 1830. This is a conservation area and I am concerned about what is happening.”

The former halls of residence are now owned by property company City Estates.

James Wragg, building surveyor at the firm, said: “The council has condemned one of the trees on safety grounds and asked us to remove it because it has fungal damage to the base.

“The rest of the trees are being pruned.

“However, we will be replacing the tree that is being removed.”

A Sheffield Council spokesman said: “City Estates were given permission to cut the trees in question, as they were badly diseased and would have presented safety issues in the future.

“The council’s inspector has been to visit Ms Monsior and explained the reasons for the necessary work. “